A research team of Mississippi State University is leveraging the use of 3D printing technology for the manufacturing of face shields for the frontline staff to fight coronavirus.
The faculty from MSU’S Bagley College of Engineering and Research at the University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems is collaboratively working on the development by using 3D printed headbands with transparent plastic sheets and elastic bands.
The innovation is to encounter the high demand of the personal protective equipment. “The Mississippi State faculty and students stepped up to do 3D printing, so we can be provided face masks when the shortage occurred,” said Dr. Bruce Brown of Anderson Hospital.
The face shield headbands take around two and a half hours to print. The team is using around ten 3D printers to produce approximately 250 shields per week using polylactic acid filament.
Dr. Fred Duggan, Chief Medical Officer, Rush Health Systems, said “This shield covers the eyes and the mouth. With the mask, it is the ultimate protection. It gives our healthcare workers the confidence that they are safe when they are taking care of these sick people.”
